ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid has announced that a pilot phase for opening bank accounts for deserving women will soon be launched in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan.
The initiative aims to eliminating the risk of human intervention and unauthorized deductions when relief funds are transferred to beneficiaries. Once the decision is implemented, the beneficiaries would receive support funds directly into their bank accounts, ensuring transparency.
The Chairperson made this announcement during a meeting with BISP staff at the BISP headquarters on Wednesday. During the meeting, she reviewed the distribution of Kafaalat stipends among deserving women.
Distribution under BISP
The participants of the meeting focused on addressing operational challenges and improving the system for the countrywide quarterly tranche distribution under BISP.
Speaking on the occasion, Senator Rubina Khalid said that after assuming the Chairperson role, she was directed by President Asif Ali Zardari to ensure that funds under BISP are disbursed in a dignified and transparent manner.
She called on staff members to facilitate women at payment centres, prevent overcrowding, and uphold the respect of beneficiaries.
She also instructed officials to ensure a smooth and transparent payment process while taking action against any corrupt practices.
Earlier, Director Field Operations BISP, Adnan Al Hassan, briefed the Chairperson on the quarterly installment distribution plan.
Senator Rubina Khalid directed higher authorities to formulate an effective strategy to resolve grievances and enhance the overall payment mechanism.
This initiative marks a significant step towards financial inclusion and empowerment for underprivileged women in the country.
The Benazir Income Support Program is a poverty reduction program in Pakistan. Launched in July 2008, it was the largest single social safety net program in the country with nearly Rs. 90 billion distributed to 5.4 million beneficiaries in 2016.
The Department for International Development of the United Kingdom is the largest foreign backer of the program.
